Uber, Lyft ready to usher race fans to and from BMS

by Cassandra Sweetman

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The technological advances of ride-hailing services plan to be in full force for race weekend in Bristol.

Speedway and metro planners already have traffic flows down to a science outside the speedway, but they are always looking for advantages to keep that deluge of cars and trucks efficiently entering and exiting with race fans.

That is where Uber and Lyft come in along with their smartphone apps.

The designated Uber drop off point is mandatory for Uber and Lyft drivers to use. It's one way the speedway is working to streamline access for the ride share program.

The location is off Highway 394 at the corner of Copperhead Road and Sweet Knobs Trail.

Uber service started in the Tri-Cities just before the Battle at Bristol last year and speedway officials hoping it will prevent any fans from drinking and driving.

"We're ready to fully implement Uber here in the tri-cities and we're excited because it gives individuals a chance to enter the speedway and obviously exit the speedway and not have to get behind the wheel," said Bristol Motor Speedway Vice President of Customer Service Ben Trout.

A free shuttle service will take riders to and from the track from the Uber drop off location.

The company is also offering a special discount for first-time riders this weekend by using the password AOYFW. This takes $15 off the ride, according to officials.